Southwest Louisiana Rallies to Help Fight Breast Cancer

KNGT | Lake Charles, LA — October 1st means one thing around my house. It is officially what I like to call Pink Season. Time to dig through the closet, pull out all those pink shirts, and get to work helping raise money in the fight against breast cancer. But I gotta admit, Pink Season feels a little different for me this year.

For close to 10 years, breast cancer fundraising has been a huge part of my life. I have worn more pink than I ever thought a grown man with a beard and cowboy hat would own. I've helped with fundraisers. I've stood on stages. I've made a fool outta myself more than a few times. I've asked people for money. I've watched this community show up again and again. And I have met some pretty incredible people along the way.

This year, though, I'm stepping back. Not from supporting the cause. Not from wearing pink. And definitely not from cheering these folks on. I'm just stepping back from something that has been a big part of my life for about a decade and letting some other folks take the wheel. And lemme tell ya, there are plenty of people ready to do it.

Pink Events Are Taking Over Southwest Louisiana

One of those people is Chad Pousson, who is hosting a Pink Music Bingo Brunch on Sunday, October 11, at the McNeese Cowboy Club in Lake Charles. It runs from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., and this ain't your grandma's bingo game. Music, bingo, food and a bunch of people wearing pink sounds like a pretty good Sunday to me. The event is part of this year's Men Wear Pink fundraising efforts.

SWLA Men Wear Pink

Then later in the month, Andy Grimes is helping with a Men Wear Pink Poker Run on Saturday, October 24. That one gets rolling at Frosty Factory in Lake Charles. Registration starts at 11 a.m., with the run heading out around 11:30. The route starts at Frosty Factory, then makes stops at Fred's Lounge, Sam's Cove, Ole Habitz and Mary's Lounge before heading back to Frosty Factory. And don't think you gotta own a motorcycle to get involved. The event information says Broncos, Jeeps, trucks, motorcycles and folks who just wanna support the cause are welcome.

And Of Course We Had To Get Pickleball Involved. Because it's 2026 and apparently you can't have an event anymore without somebody breaking out a pickleball paddle. Ed Bonilla will be hosting a "Pink"le Ball Tournament on October 9 and October 10 in Ragley at South Beau Rec District 2. See what they did there? Pink-le Ball. I love it!

READ MORE: Registration Now Open for 2026 McNeese Homecoming Parade

Different events. Different people. Different parts of Southwest Louisiana. But they're all working toward the same thing. Raising money, raising awareness and helping in the fight against breast cancer. That's what I've always loved about Pink Season around here. It isn't just about wearing a pink shirt for a picture. It's about somebody deciding to host a bingo. Somebody putting together a poker run. Somebody grabbing a pickleball paddle. Somebody donating money. Somebody volunteering.

Everybody finds their own way to help. My Pink Season Looks A Little Different This Year. I'll admit, after being so involved for so many years, stepping back is gonna feel strange. There are a lotta memories tied to this campaign for me. A lotta laughs too. But seeing another group of people step up and run with it makes it a whole lot easier. Southwest Louisiana has always been pretty good at that. When somebody needs help, folks around here usually find a way.

So I'll still be wearing pink this October. Probably more than I should. I'll still be supporting these events. I'll still be talking about them. And I'll still be cheering on everybody who is putting in the work this year.

If you want to get involved, follow the SWLA Men Wear Pink Facebook page and keep an eye on everything happening throughout October. Pick an event. Show up. Donate a few bucks if you can. Or just wear some pink. Every little bit helps.

Welcome to Pink Season, Southwest Louisiana.